By Mona Austin
Arizona Senator John McCain would have turned 82 tommorow. He died on Saturday, August 25 less than a week before his birthday. Days later, President Donald Trump continued to be reluctant to show respect for the veteran lawmaker. Trump's blase treatment of the elder statesman's death was met with criticism from Democrats and Republicans.
Arizona Senator John McCain would have turned 82 tommorow. He died on Saturday, August 25 less than a week before his birthday. Days later, President Donald Trump continued to be reluctant to show respect for the veteran lawmaker. Trump's blase treatment of the elder statesman's death was met with criticism from Democrats and Republicans.
The clash between the two men grew from Trump saying he did not consider Mr. McCain a hero, although the latter was tortured in Vietnam for five years and the former never served in the military. McCain's mutual disdain was shown when he disassociated with Trump for disrespecting women. A tape of Trump bragging about groping women had surfaced and Meaghan McCain's father wasn't having any parts of that. But, his disdain for the was never more clear than when he rose up from the cast the vote against his own party to block the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. He stormed onto the Senate Chamber floor while he was battling brain cancer and gave the reform bill a thumbs down and shot it down "Gunsmoke" style. They didn't call Sen. John McCain the "maverick" for nothing.
Democrats loved him for that career-defining decision. Some Republicans loathed him for it. But unlike Trump they were able to give honor where it is due, such as the sincere words as stated by Cotton (R-Arkansas).
"John McCain was an American original. Tough, independent, and outspoken, he was captured, but he never surrendered. The inner strength he showed in the Hanoi Hilton shone through during his 36 years in the Congress. Wherever one stands on the political spectrum-and most people had occasion to stand both with and against this maverick-John McCain was a passionate fighter for his ideas, for our troops, and for a better America. While we mourn his passing today, and extend condolences to Cindy and his children, let us also celebrate his life, now and in the days to come. John McCain kept the faith of his fathers in the country we all love."
According to various reports, an internal source leaked news that Pres. Donald Trump initially rejected White House plans to issue a statement on the death of the six-term Republican senator and former presidential candidate.
Tweeted Trump on Saturday after McCain passed away, "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"
Still no official statement.
Flags, which are normally flown at half staff upon the death of prominent public servants, were still flying high on Monday around Washington. However, it was announced the Senator will lie in repose at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, an honor that has only been given to six other Americans before him (in recent history Justice Antonin Scalia and Rev. Billy Graham).
The press asked Trump to reflect on McCain's legacy, to which he responded with his arms folded, completely mum.
It apparently took some effort to get Trump to do the right thing, which was two-fold: 1. and 2.
Finally, late Monday afternoon the president formally acknowledged Sen. McCain's earthly departure with a torpid official statement.
McCain was a straight shooter who often deviated from partisan politics on Capitol Hill. He admitted that he regretted choosing Sarah Palin as a running mate and criticized Trump McCain passed away from an aggressive brain tumor in his Sedona, AZ cabin on Saturday at the age of 81. On this Saturday, September 1, a memorial service will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington. McCain requested former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush to deliver eulogies. A Vietnam POW, the military hero will be buried the next day at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN
Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment.
I have asked Vice President Mike Pence to offer an address at the ceremony honoring Senator McCain at the United States Capitol this Friday.
At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy.
Finally, I have asked General John Kelly, Secretary James Mattis, and Ambassador John Bolton to represent my Administration at his services.